It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Helena Galas on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 80 years. After many years of battling cancer and increasing difficulty with mobility, Helena succumbed to her body’s illness.
Helena will be dearly missed by brother Robert Swynar (Terri), and sister Christine Pearse, along with many, many friends in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and relatives in Poland and the Ukraine.
Helena was born in Podkamien, to Roman Galas and Josephine (nee Ochowych), and came to Calgary, Canada at the age of 16. She quickly learned English and took up hairdressing while earning a mechanical design degree at SAIT in Calgary. From Calgary she moved to Edmonton and made many friends there while working for the government. To minimize the health effects of a devastating car accident in her early 20’s, Helena moved to Vancouver in the late ‘60s. She worked as a Senior Mechanical Designer in Vancouver, then took early retirement while running a small bed and breakfast. She maintained a beautiful garden of flowers inside her home as well as outside. Helena loved being with her many friends and travelled to the old country and Europe many times.
Faith was an integral part of Helena’s life and when she was well, she regularly attended St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church in Vancouver. She was proud to be a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and she often volunteered with fundraising activities and local charities in the Vancouver area. She enjoyed serving at many functions in the company of her Ukrainian friends.
Helena was a kind, generous, compassionate, and caring lady. She was always positive and willing to help those in need before herself. She was our best friend, our most precious gift, always and forever in our hearts.
A special Thank You is sent to all the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Lions Gate Hospital, and the North Shore Hospice, for their care and compassion during Helena’s last weeks.
Funeral Service (Divine Liturgy) will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 10:30 am, St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (550 West 14 Avenue Vancouver).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helena’s memory to a charity of your choice.